Spring-time gardeners reminded of bacteria threat from potting mix and compost
Health New Zealand is reminding New Zealanders to take precautions to protect against Legionnaires’ disease when gardening this spring, after 135 people were hospitalised with the illness over the past year across New Zealand.
Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caught by breathing in legionella bacteria. This thrives in moist environments and stagnant water, including potting mix, compost and other soil products, and every spring public health records an influx of notifications linked to these sources.
Dr Matthew Reid is a Medical Officer of Health at the National Public Health Service. He says while Legionnaires’ disease can cause severe illness, there are simple precautions you can take while gardening to help protect yourself.
“To reduce the risk of breathing in legionella bacteria only handle potting and compost mix bags outdoors or in well-ventilated areas, and open them carefully and away from your face. It’s also important to wear gloves and a well-fitting face mask. An N95 mask is best. If you don’t have one, you can generally pick these up in DIY and gardening stores or your local pharmacy.
“It’s also recommended you dampen down soil products to reduce dust, and to wash and dry your hands thoroughly after gardening or handling potting mix.”
Not everyone who breathes in legionella bacteria becomes unwell and some people only develop a milder illness called Pontiac fever. However, those aged over 50 years old, smokers, and people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are often more susceptible to the disease and should be especially careful when gardening.
“Legionnaires’ disease symptoms are similar to a flu-like illness, and can include a cough, fever, chills, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headaches, nausea and vomiting, stomach aches, diarrhoea and excessive sweating. Some people also develop mental confusion or disorientation.”
The illness typically worsens over several days and requires treatment with antibiotics, with most cases requiring hospitalisation.
“If you experience these symptoms, particularly after using potting mix or compost, you should contact your usual health care provider for advice or call Healthline for free on 0800 611 116.”
Get more information on the risks, symptoms, and prevention of Legionnaires’ disease.